"We will miss him. The Spanish league will lose something without him because he is a great competitor. I have never fought with him. It's just that both of us are winners," the Brazilian was quoted as saying by AS.

"He is one of the most ambitious coaches in the league and he has really livened up football here. He is a very colourful guy and I think his departure is a greater loss for you, the media, than it is for us the players."

The Catalans were named Liga champions on Saturday and the former Sevilla man took the time to dedicate the success to team-mate Eric Abidal and coach Tito Vilanova, both of whom missed a section of the season due to cancer.

"One of the high points was when Abidal made his return, and Tito too. We have won more than just a trophy; we have won a battle - a battle for life," he added.

"This league is for them, we did it for all that they have suffered and that has no price."